JULY-31

Spaniards leave Stebo

The two Spanish players who featured in the Reds friendly against Hucknall Town last Saturday have returned to Spain!! 

Both Piotrek Urban and Pedro Ballesteros, were offered the opportunity of staying for another week and featuring in the games against Ammanford Town and Newport County but they both decided to return home!

www.llanelliafc.org

JULY-31

Swans win 2-0 in Holland

JOHN ALOISI has emerged as a striker target for Swansea City as they eye potential replacements for the departed Lee Trundle.

The Swans have vowed to use the £1m they will receive following the Trundle sale to Bristol City solely on squad strengthening.

But on the evidence of last night’s woeful finishing in their lacklustre win over Dutch amateur side SV Schipluiden, Roberto Martinez may step up his search to replace the Scouse favourite before the season’s opener against Oldham on August 11.

Swans boss Martinez is believed to have lined up Australian international Aloisi as a possible target to replace Swansea’s top scorer for the last four seasons.

Swansea have also been linked with a move to bring in Aston Villa striker Luke Moore.

But while the League One promotion-favourites would need to stump up the cash in their bold bid to prise away England Under-21 speedster Moore from Villa Park, a move for the former Portsmouth forward Aloisi is on the cards.

The 31-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving Spanish second division side Alaves this summer and could be tempted by a return to English football.

The much-travelled Aloisi, who has 27 international goals for the Socceroos, featured at last year's World Cup and has played in Britain, Spain, Italy and Belgium.

Whether he is ready to add Wales to his varied CV remains the question.

icwales

JULY-31

MacLean: I'm the man to partner Fowler

When the Scot signed for Cardiff from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of June it seemed he would be forming a partnership with Michael Chopra in the Bluebirds attack.

But with Chopra gone and Fowler signed on a two-year deal, MacLean is relishing the chance to work with someone he sees as one of the best goal-scorers in the game.

The 24-year-old is not getting ahead of himself though and said his main priority at the moment has to be establishing himself in City’s first team.

He said, “I’m definitely excited about the prospect of playing up front with Robbie and I’m looking forward to it.

“But first and foremost I’ve got to earn the right to play, whoever it’s with.”

MacLean also believes working with Fowler will take his own game to the next level.

“He is a legend and I’m only 24, so hopefully I can learn off him as well,” said MacLean.

“I’m looking at his finishing and his movement and I’m sure in training he will give us pointers.

“He is a world-class striker and he has played at the highest level, so if you can’t learn from him you won’t learn from anybody.”

Having left Wednesday on a free transfer, MacLean signed a three-year deal with Cardiff and he has made an impressive start to his Bluebirds career.

His three goals in the last three games have seen him continue the form that made him the Owls’ joint top-scorer last season.

The new number nine is already enjoying life at Ninian Park but knows he will have to keep working hard if he is to figure in the Bluebirds’ opening league game on August 11 against Stoke.

www.llanelliafc.org

JULY-31

Trundle targets Republic call-up

The Liverpool-born forward, who has an Irish grandfather, is set to complete his £1m move from Swansea on Monday.

He impressed when scoring on his City debut in a 2-2 home friendly draw with Yeovil Town on Saturday.

And afterwards, Trundle told BBC Sport: "I'd like to play at the highest level and that includes internationals."

Trundle's path so far has some parallels with former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge.

Both Liverpool-born strikers did not turn professional until their 20s, before making a big impression at Welsh clubs (Aldridge for Newport) and going on to rise through the divisions.

Staunton is not overloaded with options up front as he struggles to lead the Republic to qualification for Euro 2008 but Trundle is an interesting prospect.

"Steve Staunton knows I'm eligible to play and looked at the level I was at, scoring goals, so I now have to do it in the Championship," he added.

BBC

JULY-31

Jones: I want a hard man

DAVE Jones has ordered his scouts and contacts throughout Europe – “Find me a hard man.”

Jones still wants one more striker to complete his Cardiff City squad for the start of the new season and a big, physical target man is a priority.

Derby County’s Steve Howard would fit the bill for the Bluebirds, but the newly-promoted Premiership club want to keep him.

City did try to sign Howard when he was at Luton Town, but were edged out by Derby.

It’s that style of player that City, who have already brought in seven new signings this summer, are keen on.

Jones has contacts and scouts working to find a target-man style of striker – in just about every European country and in places as far afield as Africa.

City were keen on Hull City’s 6ft 4ins powerhouse Jon Parkin, who would have given Cardiff a different option from the substitutes bench, but the Yorkshireman eventually signed for Stoke City because he did not want to move from his family home in Yorkshire.

icwales

JULY-31

Kaid awaits his Racecourse fate

WOULD-BE Wrexham striker Kaid Mohamed impressed Dragons boss Brian Carey after scoring twice in Saturday’s 4-1 win against Dungannon Swifts.

The 22-year-old ex-Carmarthen Town player, on trial with the Racecourse club for the past month, should learn this week if he is to be offered a contract, but he did his chances no harm with an impressive display of finishing at Strangmore Park.

Mohamed, who also scored in the friendly with Blackburn Rovers earlier this month, made way for club captain Neil Roberts late in the game and afterwards Carey said: “Kaid took his goals very well, particularly the first one. The second, which was more of a team goal, was a great finish and he also had another two or three chances.

“He is a different sort of player from the other strikers we have and he’s got an eye for goal, so we’ll make an assessment about him next week.

“Overall I’m happy with the way the lads went about the game and I’ve been pleased with the way they have behaved on the trip.

icwales

JULY-31

Fowler fever grips Cardiff

A FOWLER frenzy swept Ninian Park again as fans queued for hours to meet their new hero.

Excited fans quickly forgot the team’s dismal performance, conceding six at Stockport on Saturday, and put severe pressure on the club’s stocks of new shirts at a club open day yesterday.

After selling 3,000 shirts on the first day of sale on Friday, thousands more were sold at the ground yesterday as people queued up for an hour to get hold of one.

After picking up their shirts, fans were invited on a tour of the ground and a chance to meet the players – with queues stretching the length of Ninian Park.

Craig Davies, 26, of Caerphilly, went down to Ninian Park with his young nephew Lewis.

He said: “It’s amazing to see so many people down here. Everyone wants to see Robbie Fowler.

“I think they will need to order some more shirts because everything is selling out. The problem is there are so many queues to get anything, but at least it’s a nice day.”

Season ticket holder, David Rogers, 28, of Bedwas, also picked up a new shirt with Fowler’s name and number on the back.

He said: “I can’t believe how much interest there is in Cardiff City since Fowler signed. I think the first game is going to sell-out at this rate.

“Now we are all looking forward to seeing him get some goals on the pitch.”

Mike Jones, 48, from Canton, Cardiff, also went down to Ninian Park. He said: “I have seen so many people walking past my house with Robbie Fowler shirts on that I had to come down and see what the fuss was all about. I am confident that we can get promoted this season now.”

icwales

JULY-31

Spurs feel the power of Wolves

Any hopes of a revival in home fortunes were dashed two minutes into the second period when Rosa released Hughes, who went around replacement keeper Mike Doutch for his second goal, and Hughes completed a sweet hat-trick on 71 minutes when he put a free header past Doutch from a pinpoint Jones corner.
Hughes may have been the hat-trick hero for the visitors, but it was Jones – boasting 15 appearances for the Championship side - who caught the eye with his pace and control, and it was fitting that he should get on the scorecard with an awesome strike from 25 yards on 74 minutes.
In between the goals, Clapham cleared a Gwyn Owen effort off the line from a Nigel Moore free-kick before Jones set up goal number six when Martin Riley put away his flag kick on 76 minutes and even when Jones was subbed, David Ijaha headed a Clapham cross home to complete the scoring five minutes from time.

icwales

JULY-30

English FA's Cardiff Euro ban

CARDIFF CITY were last night told they cannot qualify for Europe via The Premiership.

English Premier League chief Sir David Richards has shocked City fans by saying The FA would not award The Bluebirds one of their prized Champions League or UEFA Cup spots – even if Cardiff were among the Premiership high fliers in a few years time.

He told Wales on Sunday: “The English FA can’t do anything about the matter because the three Welsh clubs are affiliated members to The FA.

“It is up to Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to pursue it with the Welsh FA. That should be the Welsh FA’s vision.”

But last night a UEFA spokesman shot down Richards’ argument. He said that clubs WERE allowed to be nominated by their host country, even if they didn’t play within its boundaries.

Should one of the Welsh clubs qualify for Europe via the English system, Richards believes the FA of Wales will have to lobby UEFA to allow the league an extra ‘special’ European place for the ‘guest’ Welsh club.

FA of Wales chief David Collins has requested urgent top-level talks with new UEFA president Michel Platini in Finland in September in a bid to sort out “one of European football’s biggest challenges”.

Secretary general Collins and FAW president Peter Rees hope to put pressure on Platini to allow the six Welsh clubs who play outside their national league and in the English pyramid to be readmitted to the FAW-run Welsh Cup – another route into Europe.

He said: “I think Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Newport County, Merthyr Tydfil and Colwyn Bay are the only six clubs in Europe that currently have no chance of playing in a UEFA club competition and we think that is grossly unfair.

“The FA would never nominate a non-English club to represent them in any UEFA Cup competition so myself and our president hope to meet with the new president of UEFA to discuss how to move forward in the middle of September.

icwales

JULY-30

Welsh Premier League may yet bask in sun

THE Welsh Premier League will bask in sun – if club chiefs want a summer season, writes PETER SHUTTLEWORTH.

League chief John Deakin last night insisted The Football Association of Wales are ready to switch Welsh football’s top flight to summer in a bid to make their top clubs successful in Europe.

Welsh clubs have blamed their poor showing in Europe on coming up against Eastern bloc and Scandinavian opponents who are fitter and sharper after summer campaigns.

Only Llanelli and Connah’s Quay Nomads voted in favour of the switch 18 months ago, but League secretary Deakin confirmed the FAW would go ahead with the change if the clubs changed their minds.

Deakin said: “Mention any kind of change in the Welsh Premier and there’s rioting in the streets of Rhyl.

“But I’m an administrator, I can only make suggestions. My role is simply to implement what the clubs request me to do. If a majority of clubs want summer football, we’ll make it happen.

“What annoys me is that the Welsh clubs had a vote to switch to a summer season 18 months ago and it was overwhelmingly rejected 16 votes to two.

“Yet, whenever a Welsh club gets knocked out of Europe, which is frequent, they use the excuse that their opposition have the upper hand by playing summer football.

“If the people at Welsh football’s sharp end want summer football, then it’s worth giving it a go.

“If summer football doesn’t work, we can always go back to playing during the winter.

“Welsh Premier clubs shouldn’t accept that they’ll fall at the first hurdle in Europe – we must prove we are better than that.

“Summer football should help our teams over that first hurdle and possibly face one of Europe’s big boys.”

icwales

JULY-30

New Saints sail to victory at Laird

WELSH Premier League champions The New Saints shook off the disappointment of their champions League exit with a 2-0 win at Cammell Laird yesterday.

The Unibond League Division One hosts battled well but could not contain the Welsh full-timers.

Striker Alfie Carter struck in the sixth minute as he pounced on a loose pass by Lee Appleton.

Triallist Luke Holden sealed the result 10 minutes into the second-half when Croudson could not hold a Carter shot and picked up the rebound.

MacWhirter Welsh League champions Neath Athletic suffered a set-back as they prepare for life in the Welsh Premier League when they were beaten 2-1 by former Division One rivals Dinas Powys.

icwales

JULY-30

Monk blow leaves Swans reeling

SWANSEA CITY began life after Lee Trundle yesterday – but it was the fitness of key defender Garry Monk who was the name on the lips of the small band of travelling supporters.

Club captain Monk is expected to be out for a month after hoblbing off with an ankle midway through the first-half of their defeat to Stormvogels Telstar in their opening tour game of Holland.

Monk left the ground on crutches and was immediately sent for an X-ray at a local hospital to determine the extent of the damage.

The centre-half was injured on an artificial surface in the Hague and his absence is the last thing Roberto Martinez wanted having just seen his preparations for the new season ruined by the departure of star striker Trundle.

But there was obvious concern for Monk, who missed all of last season with a serious knee injury and now faces playing catch-up again with the new season set to start in under a fortnight.

icwales

JULY-30

Rhyl: ‘We’ll finish the Finnish’

RHYL’S Euro-wise manager John Hulse is keeping Finnish opponents FC Haka guessing over his line-up for next Thursday’s decisive return leg in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Cup in Valkeakoski.

Sitting on a stunning 3-1 lead after coming from behind to floor the nine-times Finnish champions in front of an ecstatic Belle Vue crowd of just under 1,800 last Thursday week, Hulse has no intention of enlightening the opposition on what they can expect.

“It was one of the greatest nights in the club’s history and I believe we could be in for another one,” hinted the shrewd Birkenhead-based boss who is in his fourth European adventure since taking charge of the ambitious Lilywhites.

A detailed briefing on FC Haka in advance – from a former Deeside well-wisher now based in Finland – was a helpful aid to the Rhyl chief in his pre-match preparations.

“We know this is only the half-way stage but I truly believe from what we already know that we can score out there and that would mean they would need to beat us 4-1,” he pointed out ahead of Tuesday’s flight to Finland for the crucial away leg of the tie.

icwales

JULY-30

Jones blasts defence after horror show

CARDIFF CITY manager Dave Jones blamed his defenders for the Bluebirds’ Edgeley Park horror show, claiming, “They didn’t do their jobs.”

Jones pointed the finger after City folded against his old club Stockport County, the League Two outfit chalking up an incredible 6-4 win.

Individual errors, communication breakdowns and lapses of concentration were all on show and the comedy of errors was capped by own goals from Gavin Rae and skipper Darren Purse.

“If you are going to make mistakes this is probably the best time to make them – and we certainly made some mistakes at the back,” he said.

“We’ve been working hard defensively as a team, but we have probably made more mistakes in one game than we did for long spells of last year.

“As a unit at the back they can’t hide from the fact they didn’t do their jobs. That’s what we’ll be looking at and working on in the next couple of weeks.”

Cardiff actually led 2-0 through summer signings Rae and Steve MacLean, but then conceded four times in an incredible 11-minute spell before half-time.

“We didn’t look solid at the back, but, until the own goal went in, they looked comfortable,” said Jones.

icwales

JULY-30

Double swoop by Newtown

Darren Ryan, manager of Principality Welsh Premier club Newtown, is hoping to complete his squad ahead of the new season by signing experienced midfielder Colin Loss and goalkeeper Ian Havard.

A trainee at Norwich City with former Haverfordwest County team-mate Deryn Brace, Loss also spent time at Derby County, Gresley Rovers, Bristol City and Merthyr Tydfil before entering the Welsh Premier with Barry Town, where he won championship medals.

He has latterly been with Carmarthen Town and Merthyr and has 183 league starts to his credit.

Havard, 19, is a former Shrewsbury Town trainee who was virtually ever-present for Bangor City last season after arriving at Farrar Road towards the end of the 2005/6 campaign.

Ryan was thwarted in his attempts to sign Karl Lewis from Hereford United, when the former West Bromwich Albion youth and Aberystwyth Town stopper opted instead to sign a three-year deal with Southern Premier side Bromsgrove Rovers.

Former Robin Andy Hughes was also a target, but the Welsh under-19 cap is set to return to Airbus.

icwales

JULY-29

John Hartson for Swansea?

The Swans say that the Trundle money will be made available for squad strengthening with rumours that the club could move for West Brom's John Hartson, a Swansea fan who has always expressed his desire to end his career at the club.

"Swansea is a really good club right now, there's lots of money there and I'm sure that the Trundle cash will be made available to Martinez to strengthen the squad," said Curtis

"Somebody is going to have to step in to Lee's boots and the speculation that keeps coming up is Hartson.

"I don't know what his situation is at West Brom, but I'm sure he's somebody who could score goals at this level and it may be a route that the club wants to pursue."

Chairman Jenkins did not rule out a move for the Wales international, but said that the decision was down to Martinez.

"Signing Hartson would placate the fans, but you'd have to ask Roberto if it would fit the style of play he wants, Roberto's the man to make that call," said Jenkins.

Hartson seems unlikely to be Martinez's choice, with Aston Villa's England Under-21 international striker Luke Moore a more probable target.

Hibernian defender Rob Jones is also thought to be on Swansea's wish list, but the club have insisted that they will not panic buy.

BBC

JULY-29

Turnbull unfazed by leaky Cardiff

New Cardiff goalkeeper Ross Turnbull says he was undaunted after watching their woeful defending from the stands in the 6-4 friendly loss at Stockport.

"It was only a friendly, we'll look to pick up before the season starts," said Turnbull, who completed a 12-month loan switch from Middlesbrough on Friday.

"I've been looking for regular football and Cardiff is a massive club. I wanted to come as soon as there was interest."

Turnbull says that Cardiff was recommended to him by ex-Bluebirds striker Michael Chopra.

"I'm friends with Michael and he told me great things about Cardiff," Turnbull told BBC Sport Wales.

"The Robbie Fowler signing has just added to the excitement here, of course I'm looking forward to playing with him.

"I'm still a young player with a lot to learn, but Middlesbrough rate me highly.

"I command the area, play it out from the back, and - of course - like to keep clean sheets!"

The latter statement will be good news to the Bluebirds after the Stockport horror show.

BBC

JULY-29

Trundle scores on Bristol debut

The Robins went 2-0 down before the striker got his first goal for his new club and helped make a late equaliser.

Trundle was given permission to play at Ashton Gate by Swansea and the Football Association of Wales, although his move from the Swans is not yet complete.

Trundle, 30, has agreed personal terms with the Robins and is expected to complete a £1m transfer on Monday.

"As a forward it was great to get a goal on my debut, that's what it's all about and working on my fitness ahead of the start of the season," said Trundle, under Swansea contract to 2009.

BBC

JULY-29

Cardiff lose out in 10 goal thriller

Cardiff's big summer signing Robbie Fowler watched from the stands but played no part in the game.

Fowler is expected to make his Bluebirds debut in a friendly against FC Twente at Ninian Park next Saturday.

BBC

JULY-29

Mohamed too swift for Swifts

The ex-Carmarthen Town striker's clever movement caused trouble from the start and he gave Wrexham the lead with an unstoppable 20-yarder before the break.

Mark Williams drove in a fierce strike, 22-year-old Mohamed added a glancing header, and Williams tapped in as the Welsh side ran riot after the break.

Shane McCabe got a late consolation strike for the Swifts.

BBC

JULY-29

How to spend the £1M to replace Trundle

Evening Post

JULY-28

Trundle: My heartache at leaving Swansea

LEE Trundle today spoke for the first time about quitting Swansea City and admitted: "I had to make the decision with my head not my heart."

In an exclusive interview with the Evening Post, the Scouser star revealed how he agonised over whether to leave after Bristol City weighed in with a bumper £1million bid for his services. And Trundle explained that for all his feeling for Swansea, he had to turn his back on the club in order to grasp what could be his final chance to play Championship football.
"I want the Swansea fans to know how hard it was for me make to this decision," Trundle said.
"When I was at Wrexham, I just saw it as a club to play for. But Swansea was different.
"I moved to the city and was surrounded by people who loved the club. That made me feel more part of Swansea and playing for the club really pulled at my heart strings.
"I agonised over whether to leave that behind - it wasn't a case of Bristol City coming in and me saying yes.
"I spoke to a lot of people - my family, my friends, my team-mates - and I had to distance myself from my heart and think 'Is this going to help my career?'
"In the end I decided I had to go because I didn't want to take the risk of not getting another opportunity to play in the Championship, which is somewhere I want to prove myself.
"I didn't want to get there aged 33 or 34 and not be the same player I am now. I wanted to go there when I'm fit and strong and show the people who have doubted me that I can score goals at that level."

Trundle deliberately contacted the Post because he wanted to explain his decision to end his stay in South Wales to Swansea's supporters.
And he hopes the thousands who roared him on throughout four spectacular years will not turn against him now.
"I know some of the fans will be upset and I will probably get people who knock me and get on my back for going," Trundle added.
"But I just hope the true fans realise they were a massive factor when I was deciding whether to go and I hope they remember all the good things. I think I did a lot for the club, and I realise too that the club did a lot for me.
"I hope if I ever do come back to play against Swansea they won't boo me, because that would break my heart."

Exclusive by Gareth Vincent

JULY-28

Rhyl boss ready for talks with duo

RHYL manager John Hulse is set to speak to New Zealand striker Michael White and Italian midfielder Gianluca Graziolo about their futures.

The duo again impressed in the 2-1 win at Ashville in Cheshire in midweek, although neither is eligible for the second leg of the Uefa Cup first qualifying round against FC Haka in Finland on Thursday.

White, 20, fired a hat-trick on his debut in the 7-0 demolition of Sutton Common to instantly win over the Rhyl fans, a game in which Graziolo also scored.

Both again looked the part against Ashville with White blasting home a Matty Holt throw-in with a spectacular scissor-kick before Danny Desmoreaux netted Rhyl’s winner with 10 minutes to go.

“They both did well and I will be talking to them,” Hulse said. “I am looking at a few players.”

icwales

JULY-28

Hotspur face top Wolves aces

HUNGARIAN midfielder Denes Rosa, who has played for his country 10 times, will be among a dozen top pros appearing for Wolverhampton Wanderers at Holyhead Hotspur today.

The pre-season friendly attraction will mark the reopening of the Cymru Alliance club’s New Stadium base, which has been revamped at a cost of £183,000.

Wolves, whose academy director Chris Evans was previously in charge of Anglesey Borough Council’s football development scheme, will field a strong line-up.

Their squad will also include Mark Little, Jamie Clapham, Jermaine Johnson, Daniel Jones and Martin Riley.

But 20-year-old Beaumaris-born Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will not be risked by manager Mick McCarthy, although his family will attend the game.

Wolves, Sunderland, Wrexham and Rochdale have played at the stadium and Wales took on Northern Ireland in an under-17s international there.

The stadium fell into disrepair but now has a new pitch and a refurbished 500-seater stands.

icwales

JULY-28

Trundle given friendly green light

BRISTOL CITY have been granted permission to field Lee Trundle in a friendly against Yeovil this afternoon.

The 30-year-old striker will officially complete his transfer – thought to be worth around £1million – from Swansea on Monday.

Trundle scored 19 goals in 30 Coca-Cola League One appearances for the Swans last season and is now set to play a key role as City look to consolidate their promotion to the Championship.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the club’s official website, 
“It’s a very sad day for the club because we tried everything possible to keep Lee.

“We spoke about a wage increase amongst other incentives, but the one thing we couldn’t guarantee him this season was Championship football.”

icwales

JULY-28

Robbie shirt mania hits Bluebirds

CARDIFF City chairman Peter Ridsdale today hailed the Robbie Fowler effect as record numbers of Bluebirds shirts flew off the shelves.

Close on 3,000 Fowler number eight jerseys were snapped up within hours of them going on sale yesterday.

And all the profits go to club coffers, with Fowler not cut in on any image rights deal.

“Fowler has caught the imagination of the people,” said Ridsdale.

“He has benefited the club because there are no image rights or anything else, the profit will come directly to the club to be used elsewhere.

“And to be fair to Robbie he was happy with that.

“He is on a basic wage, and an appearance and promotion bonus like every other player at the club.”

The Fowler feel-good factor has also shown itself in season ticket sales.

More than 100 went out yesterday as the July 31 deadline for discounted tickets approaches.

City play Stockport County today, but manager Dave Jones is saving Fowler for his home debut next Saturday against Dutch outfit FC Twente, a game which is sure to attract a huge pre-season crowd.

icwales

JULY-28

Swans recall striker from Accies

The 17-year-old, currently on international duty with the Welsh Under-19 squad, is now wanted by the Swans for their first-team squad.

Jones made his Swansea debut against Walsall in the Carling Cup last season.

Meanwhile, Accies have released Nathan Taylor, a 17-year-old striker who broke into the first-team last term.

BBC

JULY-28

Irish trip has helps Wrexham morale

CAPTAIN Neil Roberts has hailed Wrexham’s week-long stay in Northern Ireland a success and believes the benefits will become apparent during the season ahead.

The 29-year-old striker, who scored one of his side’s goals in Wednesday evening’s 2-1 win over Cliftonville, claimed morale in the camp was high and that the objectives of the trip had been achieved.

“I think it’s been a really good week for everyone,” he said. “We’ve trained hard as a group and we’ve played hard, in the right sense of the word.

“Andy O’Boyle (fitness coach) is very pleased with the physical test results that have just come back, which show that all the lads are where he hoped they would be in terms of fitness, so that’s another positive.

“The lads who have just joined the club have settled in well and this week has given them the opportunity to get to know everyone better, which is another plus and you could see when we went paint-balling in the week how much bonding has gone on.”

icwales

JULY-27

Welsh Premier joins Euro family

The move means that the league is likely to have a bigger say in European football issues in future.

"I'm delighted to be part of the European family," Welsh Premier Secretary John Deakin told BBC Sport.

"It's interesting to see what other leagues are doing and what we can learn from them, it will benefit us greatly."

BBC

JULY-27

Another Spaniard arrives at Stebo

Pedro has been brought up through the Real Madrid junior system and in the last three years he has been associated with youth football at Athletico Madrid,Getafe and Villarosa.

He is a left sided player ,who impressed Manager,Peter Nicholas,in his first training session on Thursday although Peter insisted, " That the player needed to be seen in a proper match!"

Llanelli official website

JULY-27

Another Spaniard arrives at Stebo

Pedro has been brought up through the Real Madrid junior system and in the last three years he has been associated with youth football at Athletico Madrid,Getafe and Villarosa.

He is a left sided player ,who impressed Manager,Peter Nicholas,in his first training session on Thursday although Peter insisted, " That the player needed to be seen in a proper match!"

Llanelli official website

JULY-27

Trundle hands in transfer request

Speculation grew when the striker, 30, was left out of Swansea's 1-1 friendly draw at Port Talbot on Wednesday.

The Swans rejected a move for Trundle from new Championship side the Robins last week, and turned down a £750,000 bid from Sheffield Wednesday in 2005.

But it is believed that the Ashton Gate side have returned with an acceptable offer thought to be close to £1m.

Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez said on Wednesday that he knew nothing of the rumours and that he was keen to keep the club's top scorer of the last four seasons.

"I'll never try to sell Lee," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales after the Remax Stadium draw.

"I've told him many times how important he is to Swansea City, the club is not going to try to sell him.

BBC

JULY-27

Maesteg put on a brave face

ALTHOUGH the threat of closure still hangs over them, Maesteg Park Football Club have commenced pre-season training.

Steve Boydell has agreed to organise the sessions on a voluntary basis, and the response from players will give an indication of whether there is any chance of the club surviving.

Maesteg are training at Tudor Park on Monday and Wednesday evenings (6.30pm), and new players are invited to participate.

The Old Parish side have just a month to turn things around otherwise they will close, bringing to an end a 62-year history.

It would also signal the end of Welsh League grade football in the Llynfi Valley.

icwales

JULY-27

Legg says "Reds can be Premier Champs"

Llanelli have been backed to lift the Welsh Premier League title for the first time this season - by ex-Reds star Andy Legg. The former Welsh international believes Peter Nicholas's side can achieve the club's greatest feat should they strengthen the squad with a few acquisitions.

Legg, whose has had two stints at Llanelli, admits his first-hand knowledge of the club has given him the belief that the Reds will become champions come April.

Ex-Swansea, Cardiff, Reading and Birmingham midfielder Legg featured in the Uefa Cup matches with Odense last season and also played six domestic matches for the Reds before switching to Hucknall Town.

Evening Post

JULY-27

Delaney keen on Ninian return

FORMER Cardiff City favourite Mark Delaney would relish a move back to Ninian Park, it has emerged.

Reports emanating from the Midlands have linked the Aston Villa defender with a shock move back to the Bluebirds.

The Wales international is currently in Canada with Villa on a pre-season tour and is back in training after recovering from a knee injury.

The Western Mail understands Cardiff manager Dave Jones has made tentative enquiries about whether the 31-year-old would be interested in a move back to Ninian Park.

Delaney was recently handed a three-month extension to his contract at Villa Park as manager Martin O’Neill gives him time to prove his fitness.

Delaney is set for talks about his future with O’Neill when the Villa squad returns to Britain on Monday.

But a source close to the player said if the future was away from Villa Park, then Cardiff would be Delaney’s preferred option.

icwales

JULY-27

Wrexham break even in first 12 months

FROM a club on the brink, to a club breaking even. Whatever people may think about the new regime at the Racecourse, that little fact is still mighty impressive.

In fact, Wrexham even spent £100,000 on loan signings last season as they battled against relegation from the Football League, but the club still managed to break even for the year.

Just 12 months after bringing the Racecourse club out of administration, directors Neville Dickens, Geoff Moss and Anthony Fairclough this week issued a frank assessment of progress since the takeover last summer.

And while admitting there was still some way to go before achieving all their objectives, they said they were optimistic that the club was now heading in the right direction, both on and off the field of play.

“If we are to take the club forward we have got to build the infrastructure and put the business on solid foundations, something that has been sadly neglected over many years,” said Moss.

“On taking over we found many more problems than we had anticipated and so it has been harder than we thought, but our aim is long-term financial stability.

“Bearing in mind we took the club over at the very last minute in terms of last season, we were prepared to accept we would have a trading loss for the year, but we are now looking at a break-even scenario.

icwales

JULY-27

Shock win for TNS's Harris

OUTSPOKEN TNS chairman Mike Harris has won a shock place on the FAW’s ruling council.

Harris received the news as his team arrived back in Britain from Latvia after agonisingly going out of the Champions League to FK Ventspils on away goals.

The dynamic, go-ahead boss of the Welsh champions comfortably ousted Alun Evans in the battle for the one Welsh Premier seat available on the FAW.

Evans, the former FAW secretary, was expected to easily retain his seat.

But he was beaten by a 10-5 vote, with the remaining clubs abstaining.

Harris has strong views on how Welsh football should be run and in the past has launched no-holds-barred blasts at FAW chief David Collins.

The working rapport between the two men over the next three years should be interesting and many in Welsh football would like to be a fly on the wall during the discussions.

Evans was said to be disconsolate at losing his place on the FAW.

Even though Evans would not have taken his place for granted, many people within the Welsh Premier presumed he was a shoe-in to be voted back on.

But clearly the vision and energy Harris has shown in recent times had an impact when it came to voting.

On hearing the news of his election, Harris said, “I am obviously delighted clubs within the league have shown confidence in me.”

icwales

JULY-27

Major new sponsorship deal for Wrexham

THE Mold Road stand at Wrexham’s Racecourse home will be named the Marstons Stand next season as part of a major sponsorship deal being negotiated with the Midlands drinks giant.

Club chairman Neville Dickens revealed the five-year deal would be worth “a six-figure sum”, with the brewery’s beers and spirits being sold throughout the stadium.

Speaking during his brief visit to Northern Ireland to watch the Dragons beat Cliftonville 2-1 on Wednesday evening, Dickens claimed the deal was excellent news both for Wrexham and the brewery.

“It will be a great partnership and is a vital element in our plans to take the club forward,” he said.

“We have been working hard for 12 months to secure this sponsorship.

“The deal has been agreed in principle by the company’s local directors and is subject to full board approval, which should be a formality.”

icwales

JULY-26

Martinez plays it cool on Trundle

Roberto Martinez did his best to bat away questions about Lee Trundle after the Scouse star missed last night's 1-1 draw at Port Talbot.

Trundle's absence sparked rumours that the 30-year-old is on his way to Bristol City in a deal worth at least £1million.

But Martinez insisted the striker sat out because of groin injury and reiterated that Swansea do not want him to leave.

Evening Post

JULY-26

Bluebirds swoop for Boro keeper

The 22-year-old, 6ft 4ins stopper has made two Premiership appearances and has also had loan spells at Darlington, Barnsley, Bradford and Crewe.

He is the second keeper to join the Bluebirds this summer, following the acquisition of the ex-Wolves player Michael Oakes.

Irishman David Forde finished last season as number one.

Ross, from Newton Aycliffe, was an England youth international, and has been with Middlesborough since he was a schoolboy.

BBC

JULY-26

McKenna rueful after Saints' exit

"It's the same as last year," he said after a 2-1 loss at FK Venstpils saw them draw the two-leg first qualifying round 4-4 but go out on away goals.

"We did really well in the first leg and struggled in the second. It's disappointing, but it's our pre-season.

"I'm 100% certain that if the roles were reversed we would have won these games comfortably."

McKenna had no complaints about the result in Latvia on the night.

"The best team won the game, I just wish my lads believed in themselves more," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"We could have scored six against them at home and have taken a comfortable lead into the second leg.

"But it was another big game, and we gained more experience in a hostile atmosphere."

Barry Town remain the only team from the Welsh Premier to have reached the second qualifying stage of Europe's premier club competition.

Then-manager Peter Nicholas took Barry to victory over FC Shamkir in the first round in 2001.

BBC

JULY-26

Ridsdale denied FAW council seat

Ridsdale stood in the south Wales area elections and polled 14 votes, but the sitting members were all returned by the clubs.

"I don't think anyone will be surprised but I thought it was right to show Cardiff were still playing football in Wales," Ridsdale told BBC Sport Wales.

"The rejection will give me more time to concentrate on my work at Cardiff."

BBC

JULY-26

Trundle the £1m man

Lee Trundle was last night considering quitting Swansea City after Bristol City weighed in with a bumper £1million offer for the striker. The Scouser star missed last night's friendly at Port Talbot after the Robins spelled out their desire to secure his signature.

The Championship new boys' first bid for Trundle, which would have seen them pay just £300,000 up front, was dismissed out of hand by Swansea's money men.

But their latest offer, which is thought to be their fourth or fifth, will see a guaranteed £1million - and possibly even more - heading for Swansea's coffers, although it will not be paid in one lump sum.

icWales

JULY-26

Brace says We'll show the real us"

Carmarthen Town boss Deryn Brace is determined not to head to Norway next week "just to make up the numbers".
The Richmond Park side are all but out of the Uefa Cup following their 8-0 home drubbing at hands of Norwegian league leaders SK Brann.
And now the new Old Gold supremo's first major task since taking over the reins from Mark Jones is to try to lift his players to ensure they do not receive a hammering like they did last Thursday night." Everyone was hurting after the game so there was no need for me to go throwing tea-cups about," Brace said.
"The lads will want to go out there and put in a performance and show the real us.
"They won't want to go out there and be an embarrassment."

Brace was indebted to the heroics of keeper Neil Thomas despite the 8-0 scoreline.
If it had not been for the Town stopper, Brann could have headed back to Scandinavia having hit double figures.
"Neil Thomas is a fantastic goalkeeper," said Brace.
"He puts in that kind of performance week in, week out - obviously not as frequently as he did in this game."
While Brann showed a ruthless streak in hammering home eight goals, the former Wrexham and Norwich man felt it was not only the Norwegian outfit that led to Carmarthen's undoing.
"We were as bad as they were good," Brace said.
"In the first half they had eight attacks, led 5-0 and missed three sitters.
"Out of the eight goals we have given them four. Whatever level you play at you don't won't lose 8-0 and you shouldn't lose 8-0."
However, Carmarthen will travel to Norway knowing that a successive European campaign is at an end.

Carmarthen Journal

JULY-26

Lay off our Quay man says Hackett

SEVERELY depleted Connah's Quay Nomads have rejected a bid by Bangor City to include central defender Chris Williams in the Deeside exodus.

New City manager Neville Powell, who left Nomads after 14 seasons in charge this summer to return to his old club at Farrar Road, has already acquired the cream of his old squad ready for the upcoming league campaign.

Now Nomads have received a formal approach for powerful Williams, 22, but have told Bangor they are not letting go of their prized asset.

Nomads new boss Jim Hackett said: "Chris is a big, strong lad who is contracted to us, and while we would never stand in his way we are certainly not prepared to just tear up his contract.

"He can play anywhere at the back, and as pretty much everyone else has left Nomads we are in no position at this late stage to lose him too."

Gary Pinch has remained loyal to the Deesiders, while young striker Adam Dickinson is currently in Australia hoping to persuade Sydney FC to take him on.

Dickinson was watched by Stockport County, Wrexham, Swansea and even Royal Antwerp in trials last season but is still awaiting his chance to break into the big time.

"If nothing comes of the Sydney interest then he could be back with us for the new season, but otherwise I've had to virtually start from scratch," said Hackett, who has been looking at available players at both Congleton and Heswall.

Hackett has already signed strikers John McAllister, from Congleton, and Mark Cadwallader, who ironically was previously with Bangor City.

Both are expected to feature in Nomads’ friendly against Chester tonight and at new Cymru Alliance club Denbigh Town on Saturday.

icWales

JULY-26

Bluebirds fly into Cynon Valley

A CHARITY football match will see the Bluebirds visit the Cynon Valley.

Cardiff City have agreed to play Aberaman Legion in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, August 22, to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

The two teams will include some well-known household names.

Prolific Bluebirds striker Simon Stokes will also take to the pitch in the second half.

“The game has been a long time in the offing but finally we have agreed a date,” said Aberaman Legion manager Dilwyn Pritchard.

“This is a great coup for the club, the Aberdare Valley Football League and the Cynon Valley.

“And hopefully we will raise a lot of money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Entrance to the game will be £1, with all funds going to the Poppy Appeal.

The match is being sponsored by Aberaman-based Heatwise.

* For further details visit the club’s website

icWales

JULY-26

Wrexham win against Cliftonville

Francis Murphy gave Cliftonville the lead before the break, firing a rising shot in with the defence frozen.

Eifion Williams levelled after the break, keeper John Connolly parrying the striker's initial shot back into the path of the summer signing.

A quick Ryan Valentine free kick freed Neil Roberts on 79 minutes, the Wrexham captain side-footing in the winner.

Att: 600

BBC

JULY-26

Missing Trundle fuels speculation

LEE TRUNDLE’S absence was the story of the night as Swansea City drew 1-1 with Port Talbot in the last of their pre-season friendlies against Welsh Premiership opposition.

The talismanic striker was nowhere to be seen at the Remax Stadium, fuelling rumours that he will soon complete his transfer to Bristol City.

His presence up front was definitely missed and the Swans struggled to create many chances throughout the game.

Roberto Martinez used the game to give as many players as possible match practice. He picked a surprising starting XI with Andy Robinson being chosen to partner trialist Ibarahima Thiam up front.

There was also a welcome return for Dennis Lawrence in defence with returning captain Gary Monk at the back.

Kristian O’Leary continued his return from injury and started in midfield alongside Ian Craney, recovered from the knock that kept him out of last week’s game against Llanelli.

icWales

JULY-25

TNS crash out following defeat in Latvia

The Saints gave themselves late hope by pulling one goal back through Martyn Naylor to level the scores on aggregate to 4-4, but this wasn't enough for Ken McKenna's unlucky side.

The Welsh Champions competed well in the opening half and came close to opening the scoring on twelve minutes when midfielder Steve Beck fired over the bar. The forceful Cameroonian defender Jean-Paul Ndeki gave Latvian's Ventspils the lead though after 27 minutes with a clinical header. Despite the aggregate score of 3-3, this meant that the Saints had to score as they were going out of the competition on Away Goals. They almost did get the leveller as defender Duane Courtney came close to equalising just before Half-Time, when he powered a header towards the top corner, only to see the home 'keeper Davidov tip it over the bar.

The second goal then came though as Denis Kachanov scored Ventspils' second on 53 minutes, which meant that Ken McKenna's side had to score twice in the final 37 minutes to avoid going out of the Champions League and missing out on European progression for the first time in their History.

Sub Martin Naylor dramatically levelled the tie on aggregate from a free kick in injury time to give the Welsh champions real hope, with the ball bouncing in off the keeper's left hand post, but time just ran out for the Champions of Wales and they cruelly miss out on a place in Round Two against Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.

icWales

JULY-25

TNS striker misses champions league tie

County Times

JULY-25

Ponty Town turn back the clock

PONTYPRIDD Town are to play in the colours last worn by the Pontypridd Dragons more than 80 years ago.

The Dragons, who disbanded in 1926, wore black-and-white striped shirts which have been copied by Town for their new Welsh League Division One season.

Kit sponsors DCS Light Haulage will have their name emblazoned in gold letters on the new Newcastle United-style shirt.

Town’s away kit will be yellow with blue trim and the juniors will continue to play in all-white shirts.

Club spokesman Ceri James said: “We are delighted that Dean Jones and DCS have decided to continue with a sponsorship which has been in place for several years, and we appreciate the fact that the company has shown us tremendous loyalty through thick and thin.”

This week, the club embark on an intensive pre-season friendly programme beginning on Tuesday with a game away to Butetown, followed by fixtures on Thursday at Llantwit Major (kick-off 7pm) and Saturday at Pentwyn Dynamo (kick-off 3pm).

Next week, the team travel to play Chepstow on Thursday, August 2 (7pm) before a home game against Risca on Saturday, August 4. Pre-season is completed with a game away to Caerau (Ely) on Tuesday, August 7.

After another excellent turn-out of 24 players at training last week, manager Mal Camilleri said: “We have already signed a number of players, but it is essential that we see as many as possible in a game situation.

“I have been delighted with the way things have gone so far and I am optimistic of putting together a competitive squad for this season.”

icWales

JULY-25

Bosses play down Euro success

NEW SAINTS boss Ken McKenna and Rhyl manager John Hulse are still on cloud nine after their sides chalked up memorable wins in Europe last week – but they are determined not to get carried off with the job just half done.

Hulse described Rhyl’s display in beating FC Haka 3-1 as “brilliant,” but warned that they cannot rest on their laurels despite a two-goal advantage.

“I thought it was a brilliant performance from the lads. I am delighted for everyone concerned with the club, but the tie is far from over,” said Hulse.

“However I believe we can go over there and score more goals.”

“My players acted like true professionals and I am thrilled they got the reward they deserved.”

TNS also had every reason to be pleased with themselves after a 3-2 triumph over FK Ventspils – and they attracted widespread praise, including a glowing compliment from Giovanni Trapattoni, the former Juventus and Inter Milan manager, in charge of Red Bull Salzburg,possibly the next opponents for the Welsh club.

“TNS are great fighters. It was a good game and they showed tremendous spirit. They have real quality,” said Trapattoni.

icWales

JULY-25

Pennock is the spy in Swans camp

Tony Pennock hopes Roberto Martinez won't change tactics at the last minute tonight when they stand in opposing dugouts at Port Talbot. Swansea City's visit to the RE/MAX Stadium marks the start of Pennock's reign as the Steelmen's player-manager.

But the former Yeovil stopper has spent little time studying the opposition - because he doubles up as Swansea's goalkeeping coach.

"I trained with Swansea yesterday so, hopefully, they won't change formation," joked Pennock

"It's going to be a difficult night for us because it's our first pre-season game and I'm sure the lads will be breathing heavily.

"But it's a fantastic fixture for Port Talbot. They gave Swansea a really tough night and ended up winning 2-1 in the FAW Premier Cup match last season.

"Swansea won't want that to happen again, but it's a great opportunity for some of our lads and, hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves."

Port Talbot could include a host of ex-Swansea players, including Leigh De-Vulgt, Chad Bond, Matthew Rees, Lee Surman and summer signing Gareth Phillips.

The new Gerald McCreesh Stand will be officially opened tonight, while the fixture cements a new partnership between the clubs which will see Swansea youngsters joining Pennock's side on loan.

"The link-up is great for both parties," said Port Talbot chairman Andrew Edwards.

"We've had a great relationship with Swansea over the years, but it has got to work for us as well as them. It has got to improve our side, but the prospect is very exciting."

Evening Post

JULY-25

Ridsdale’s focus turns to other transfer

PETER Ridsdale today put the Robbie Fowler transfer behind him – and turned to new priorities.

The Fowler deal has dominated for several weeks, but now Cardiff City chairman Ridsdale must work with manager Dave Jones to bring in a goalkeeper and a striker to complete the squad.

Ridsdale will also step up negotiations for a new training ground – and that looks increasingly likely to be at Uwic, Llandaff.

City also want to find new clubs for a couple of players who look unlikely to figure.

Steve Thompson, who will be out injured for up to six months after damaging his groin, and Kevin Cooper are on the transfer list, while Irishman Jason Byrne could also be available.

Jones is keen to add a third goalkeeper to his squad and he will be in for the start of the Championship season against Stoke on August 11, while Cardiff may play a more patient game on the striker.

Now they have Fowler, City have until the end of August before the transfer window closes.

Jones is keen on Rowan Vine at Birmingham City, but may prefer a player more in the style of Derby County target man Steve Howard.

icWales

JULY-25

Spurs usher in new era